The Felled Areas Have Been Replanted: A History of Chopwell Wood

The Felled Areas Have Been Replanted: A History of Chopwell Wood

Chopwell Wood is a fascinating 900-acre forest that represents thousands of years of human industrial, cultural, and ecological use. For centuries trees were harvested for ships, churches, and tanning hides. Coal was mined from the early thirteenth century until 1966. Recreation is now the main industry in the wood. Except in a few small locations, only the footprint and geological features of the ancient forest remain. Chopwell Wood is a human built landscape--one that has been cut down and replanted multiple times.

In 1951 the Forestry Commission wrote an exquisite "History of Chopwell Forest". Throughout the report the author discusses the use of the woods, why certain tree species were planted, and the many missteps previous generations made in managing the forest.

The report captures the genesis of Chopwell Wood as we know it now. We invite you to wander through the woods--what traces of this history can you see or experience around you today?

[Read by Gemma Paintin]